Synthesis and Spectroscopic Studies of RSHg(II) Complexes, Including Complexes of ButSHgX (X = C1, Br) and RSHgO2CMe (R = Me, Et) with Pyridine

The complexes RSHgX (R = Et, But; X = C1, Br) may be prepared by reaction of the alkanethiol with HgX2 in ethanol, and the 2-methylpropane-2-thiolates crystallize from pyridine as (ButSHgC1)2C5H5N and ButSHgBr.C5H5N. The complexes RSHgO2CMe (R = Me, Et) may be prepared by reaction of mercuric acetate with Hg(SR)2 in water, and form crystalline RSHgO2CMe.C5H5N when dissolved in pyridine. Infrared and Raman spectra indicate coordination of pyridine in the pyridinates. Mercury-sulfur stretching vibrations of RSHg02CMe (R = Me, Et, Pr, Bu) are discussed.